« | Job 23 | » |
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 Yes, I know that pleading is out of my reach; and His hand has been made heavy upon my groaning.
3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, and come to an end [of the matter]!
4 And I would plead my own cause, and He would fill my mouth with arguments.
5 And I would know the remedies which He would speak to me, and I would perceive what He would tell me.
6 Though He should come on me in His great strength, then He would not threaten me;
7 for truth and reproof are from Him, and He would bring forth my judgment to an end.
8 For if I shall go first, and exist no longer, still what do I know [concerning] the latter end?
9 When He worked on the left hand, then I observed it not: His right hand shall encompass me but I shall not see it.
10 For He already knows my way, and He has tried me as gold.
11 And I will go forth according to His commandments, for I have kept His ways; and I shall not turn aside from His commandments,
12 neither shall I transgress; but I have hid His words in my bosom.
13 And if He too has thus judged, who is he that has contradicted, for He has both willed a thing and done it.
14 [This translation omits this verse.]
15 [ 23:14] Therefore am I troubled at Him; and when I was reproved, I thought of Him. [ 23:15] Therefore let me take good heed before Him: I will consider, and be terrified of Him.
16 But the Lord has softened my heart, and the Almighty has troubled me.
17 For I knew not that darkness would come upon me, and thick darkness has covered me before my face.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.